HealthSheets™

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Glucagon injection

What is this medicine?

GLUCAGON (GLU ka gon) occurs naturally in the body. It increases blood sugar. This medicine is used as an emergency treatment for severe low blood sugar in diabetic patients, especially if they are not able to take sugar by mouth. It is also used during diagnostic endoscopy or radiology examinations of the stomach and other digestive organs.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. Sometimes this medicine is for injection into a vein if it is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you will need this medicine at home, you and the person(s) most likely to give you the injection will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Instructions for mixing and giving the injection are included in the package. Before an emergency arises, you and the person(s) most likely to give you the injection should read these instructions carefully. Use exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)

breathing problems

chest pain

dizziness

fast, irregular heartbeat that does not go away

high or low blood pressure

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

nausea, vomiting

temporary fast heartbeat

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine is only used during an emergency. Significant drug interactions are not likely during that time.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store unopened at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) for up to 24 months (2 years). Store in the original container. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date or after 2 years, whichever comes first.

After you dissolve the powder in the diluting solution, use it immediately. Do not store for later use. Throw away any unused solution.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

adrenal disease

eating less due to illness, surgery, dieting, or any other reason

heart disease

malnutrition

pancreatic tumors

pheochromocytoma

an unusual or allergic reaction to glucagon, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

If you receive this medicine as part of a diagnostic test, follow your health care providers advice for eating and drinking after the procedure.

If you have this kit to help treat low blood sugar:

Keep this kit with you at all times. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

Show your family members and others where you keep this kit. Make sure that you and your family or caregiver know how to use this kit the right way before you need it. They need to know how to use it before you need it.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once. Also, remind others that they may need to give you this medicine injection before medical help is available. A repeat injection may be needed while waiting for medical help.

Always get immediate medical help after receiving an injection of this medicine. This is very important. Do this even if you respond to the medicine and are alert.

After you are alert and can swallow after an injection of this medicine, you should eat or drink some carbohydrates to prevent continued low blood sugar.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you are alert and have eaten sugar or a sugar-sweetened product such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice.